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Its latest sales figures come after recent data showed Sainsbury's sales fell 0.6 per cent in the 12 weeks to November 5, compared to a year earlier.

In a recent submission to the Competition and Markets Authority, which is investigating the merger, Sainsbury's and Asda blamed German discounters Lidl and Aldi for the loss of billions of pounds in sales over the past five years.

The pair are eyeing £500million in savings by squeezing their suppliers to obtain lower prices for customers.

Roger Burnley, president and chief executive of Asda, said it was gearing up for the festive period.

He said: 'As we enter what will undoubtedly be an incredibly competitive festive trading period, our stores are fully prepared to bring Christmas home for our customers.'